The blockchain gaming sector has seen a resurgence in interest lately. The public beta launch of MapleStory N has reignited enthusiasm across the industry. Alongside Binance’s recent listing of TOKYO GAMES TOKEN (TGT) and the seed round success of Runesoul, these three projects exemplify the potential of blockchain gaming 2.0, blending legacy gaming DNA with innovative economic models.




MapleStory N: A Fusion of Iconic IP and Blockchain Economy

MapleStory N is the Web3 adaptation of the iconic MMORPG MapleStory, developed by Korean gaming giant Nexon. Since its launch on May 15, 2025, it has quickly become a standout in the blockchain gaming space. With over 180 million registered users and $4 billion in lifetime revenue, the MapleStory franchise brings a massive player base, rich social features, and character customization elements that align naturally with blockchain’s asset ownership model.

Staying true to its classic 2D side-scrolling gameplay, MapleStory N lowers the barrier for traditional players to transition into Web3 while introducing NFTs and tokenized economies to attract new users.

Unlike early Play-to-Earn (P2E) models that relied heavily on token farming, MapleStory N adopts a “Play-and-Own” approach. The focus is on retaining players through familiar, engaging gameplay rather than speculative earning potential. Its economic model mirrors traditional MMORPGs, emphasizing long-term progression over quick profits—thus reducing the risk of economic bubbles.

Currently, player enthusiasm has dipped somewhat due to limited wealth-generation opportunities—there’s little to no earning potential for zero-investment users. However, the team is actively iterating the rules, and the community eagerly awaits the next round of updates.





TOKYO GAMES: The Web3 Pioneer in Japan’s Gaming Ecosystem

TGT, developed by Japan’s Play3 Ltd., is a flagship project that bridges Web3 and mainstream gaming. Backed by industry heavyweights such as SBI Holdings, Immutable, and Polygon, and leveraging partnerships with top-tier studios like gumi Inc. and Cygames, TOKYO GAMES is spearheading Japan’s blockchain gaming revolution.

The ecosystem’s flagship title, TOKYO BEAST, is an AAA-level game set in a futuristic Tokyo, blending NFT ownership and on-chain economies with dynamic gameplay elements such as battles, wagering, and NFT crafting. Players can stake TGT tokens to earn rare NFTs as rewards.

The TOKYO GAMES ecosystem operates on a dual-layer model:

  • BASE focuses on NFT ownership and staking,

  • TRIALS targets traditional gamers with familiar mechanics while channeling a portion of the revenue toward TGT buybacks to support token value.

TGT is also designed for cross-game interoperability, paving the way for a sustainable, interconnected gaming ecosystem. It’s an ambitious vision with plenty of promise.





Runesoul: A Web2-to-Web3 Game Transformation Done Right

Runesoul started as a Web2 mobile RPG, originally launched in Korea, boasting over 1 million active users and $20 million in revenue. The team recently secured a $1 million seed round to fund its Web3 transition, strategically bringing in partners to support this pivot.

Backed by a team with strong Web2 gaming roots, Runesoul aims to blend high-fidelity ARPG experiences with on-chain economies, addressing the common pitfall of Web3 games—prioritizing financial mechanics over gameplay. Its mission is clear: attract non-crypto-native players through solid gameplay—rich storylines, immersive combat—rather than speculative token farming.

Especially in Asia’s RPG-dominated markets, Runesoul stands out with a differentiated value proposition. Its innovative economic design puts only key assets (like equipment and characters) on-chain, while frequent in-game transactions (like consumables) are handled via Layer 2 or sidechains. This hybrid model ensures transparent ownership without sacrificing gameplay smoothness or burdening players with high gas fees—a critical advantage for mobile-first, casual RPG audiences in Asia.


Web3 Transformation: Best-Practice Playbooks

Together, these three projects showcase distinct paths in blockchain gaming 2.0:

  • MapleStory N exemplifies “Legacy IP + Web3 Integration.”

  • TOKYO GAMES demonstrates “Top-Tier Partnerships and Ecosystem Building.”

  • Runesoul leads the way in “Gameplay-First Innovation.”

Among them, Runesoul stands out for its relatively low valuation compared to MapleStory N (NXPC’s valuation) and its strong fundamentals—there’s no risk of massive token unlocks flooding the market. Plus, its mobile accessibility broadens its reach to a wider audience.

By leveraging the proven methodologies of traditional game development and strategically introducing blockchain elements, Runesoul exemplifies how a Web2 studio can successfully transition into Web3. Its low valuation and innovative design create significant upside potential.

As the blockchain gaming sector shifts from financial speculation to content-driven experiences, Runesoul is poised to emerge as a flagship project in the Web3 gaming 2.0 era—driven by both gameplay excellence and a robust economic model.